I let off a string of f-bombs when I saw those color pages. It makes my heart hurt a little to see how beautiful and sad Ichigo looks in his fighting page, cutting through bone (?) and so pained while doing it. The gates of hell look fantastically colored.

I'm not *as* fond of the "Ichigo's major opponents" spread but I certainly think it's interesting to look at. :D

He said he wanted closure on these Espada--or verifying their deaths--it was vague but it looks like we've got Szayel and Aaro being dead for sure now--

I thought Szayel was alive (only in eternal torment because Mayuri had broken off the blade before it actually GOT to his heart) but this confirms his death...

I'm just glad I get to see him again but I'd really hoped to see him face off against Mayuri again. Wonder who Mayuri's next opponent will be--it only seems to follow that Ryuuken should have an arrow with his name on it.